My grief experience

Having lived through the death by drowning of my first son, Benjaya, followed by two miscarriages and the deaths of several other loved ones, I have come to believe that the process of grief is akin to alchemy – defined as “The art of transmutation from base metal to gold”. I particularly resonate with the quote, “In order to test gold, you have to see it through the fire”. I have survived and emerged from this fire with an unshakable trust in grief as a transformative tool and a desire to help and witness others as they break through rather than break down. I personally embrace the bigger picture, what some call thespiritual dimension, in my life and work but share this only when appropriate. Writing two books focussed on healing from loss and grief and interviewing extraordinary people about how they healed through trauma has taught me a great deal.

When the towers of my world had come crashing down with the loss of both my child and a relationship, I was guided to find Carmella. She helped me to consciously rebuild my life and I am now blessed with a wonderful wife, and three amazing children! Thank you so much Carmella for gently guiding me to be the man I am now. Marcus Bawdon (Photographer, Devon, UK)

About Grief Support Sessions

I offer counselling support to anyone in transition, bereaved or bereft in any way. Grief has countless sources. Sessions are tailored to your needs. I draw on tools and resources gathered over 30 years of working with personal transformation, grief and relationship building. We will be together for an hour or an hour and a half, and no two sessions are alike. I will first listen compassionately to your story, then I might use my training in Bereavement Counselling (Cruse), Focusing or Neuro-Linguistic Programming, work with object or image symbology, facilitate an inner journey, offer inspirational stories, or books from my Phoenix Library as resources. If something comes to me to say, I will say it. I believe that I am part of the team of two that is calling for resolution and, as such, can be a conduit of insight to be shared.

In person or on Skype or FaceTime

Sessions are available both in person and on Skype or FaceTime (only available for Mac users) at the same cost. If you live locally, I recommend that we meet face to face, especially if you are in intense grief. If Skyping or FaceTiming you will be asked to call in at our agreed time from a quiet room with no distractions .

I was initially apprehensive as to how long-distance counselling would work. I wondered if the physical distance might make it difficult to share important feelings and understandings. Not at all -it has been great and worked wonderfully. I can recommend it with no hesitation. Movement Therapist (Solihull, UK)

Phoenix Library

Solace (my therapy room) houses the Phoenix Library containing books on: resilience, recovery from grief and trauma, personal transformation, preparing for death, and life after death, which you are welcome to borrow. I also sell the books I have written, which offer a blueprint for healing from grief.

I live on the other side of the Atlantic to Carmella but when my mother died it was a Godsend to know that she was there with her care and wise words. She kept me sane through a horribly traumatic time. Janet Patti (University Professor, New York)

Cost and Timing

Payment is by donation so that anyone who needs support can access it. You will be trusted to choose your payment according to your income and I will help guide you if necessary. Speak to me confidentially about what you can afford before the first session. The more generous you are able to be, the more this supports those who presently have less resources.

Your first session will include 20 minutes extra free to discover if we match well and to give you more time to tell your story.

Payment is by cash, cheque, bank transfer or PayPal (+5% to cover PayPal costs) at the end of each session.

Appointments

You are requested to check any time difference and call before 9:30 pm GMT to make your appointment or email me, including a landline number in messages if you have one. Daytime sessions are preferable but exceptions can be made. See ‘Contacts’ for details.

Cancellations/no shows

I ask you to value my time. Please let me know as far in advance as possible if you need to change your appointment. If you simply do not turn up or call at the agreed time, you will asked to pay the full agreed amount, so remember to put the date in your diary/calendar.